NEW TEAM

I smiled and said- " ohhh, so you are in my team..hmmmm"

"Yeah, lucky you" he said smiling

Other 3 were just watching us confused.

Aman spoke up – "seems you already know Krutik"

"not really we met this morning I was early and so was he, so he kept me company." I said

"oh noooo" Mary said dramatically "So she already has a bff? I thought if it would be someone it should have been me, we are the only girls in our team you know, we should have each other's back"

I chuckled and said- "Yes I know that and no one is my bff... Yet, whoever works hard and give me good results will be in my favorite list atleast"

"Thank God!!" she said and others burst out laughing at her childishness

I really like this girl she is tiny, cute, bubbly, just like a child... pure hearted. I just love her vibe. She has a way of letting people feel comfortable around her.

After our little chit-chat when I was looking around suddenly Dhruv spoke up

"come-on I will show you around the office" Dhruv suggested. I nodded and followed him

I think I was so nervous to meet my team I did not see how big and well maintained the office was from inside till that point. There were big glass windows giving a perfect view of the big blue sea. It was so mesmerizing and relaxing to look at that view. He showed me different departments, canteen area and different teams working area. There were like 5 round tables where all the people sat team wise. I really liked how it was designed. I met some of the Team Leaders, the senior analyst – Mark, Cassie and Jack and had small introduction. I didn't know why but they seemed a little hostile towards me, like they were talking down to me. I just pushed that thought away and continued following Dhruv. Other than the important things Dhruv did not speak much. He seemed to be a quite and shy kind. I tried having some small talks but all I got was a one word answers. Well some people are just not comfortable around strangers that fast.

Just when we were about to reach our table he turned back abruptly which made me take a few steps back and then wishpered to me in a low voice – "Do not take Mrs Khosla's words seriously she is rude to everyone and... sorry... I didn't mean to startle you" he said scratching his head.

I smiled at him. Ofcourse he knew her best as he was the one who has been in the firm for the longest time from our team. Like for over a year maybe.

Yesss… That's how new my team was that the longest time of an employee was 1 year. Aman and Krutik joined almost together 6 months back and Mary just joined a week ago…. Well they called us The Rookie Team but time will definitely show everything i said to myself.

As I sat on my seat I told them -

"We will go for dinner tomorrow, my treat ofcourse, as we are going to work together I would like to know about you all a little more. I am new here so you can find 2-3 restaurants and let me know"

Everyone smiled at me and said – "thank you, sure"

As it was my first day I read some old files and proposals and adjusted with the working patters. It was really a busy day and I understood that every new place you go has a different working culture all together. It was like I am was starting to work all over again. Not complaining though I enjoyed it as I love my work more than anything.

As the day ended we all bid each other goodbye

While I was leaving I saw Krutik walking down the stairs, I ran and shouted his name out loud

"Krutik"

He turned back and smiled – "hey, how was your first day?"

"pretty good, we have some really good projects" I said excitedly "so where are you staying now"

"currently.. ammm… at my friends place, but I don't think I can stay there for too long as he has a girlfriend so…. I am not able to get sleep, you know" Krutik said dramatically pressing his ears with both his hands and I tried to squint my nose on that comment but his expressions made me laugh and I just couldn't stop laughing.

We reached down and bid goodbye

I packed some vadapav* for my dinner and hailed cab back to my house.

Sleep came really fast to me that day

Next morning I woke up early than I expected so I just decided to make some food for breakfast and lunch. I packed my tiffin and then left for the office...

Today I was on time. As soon as Mrs Khosla came I updated her with the work and she looked quite impressed but she did not say it... Ofcourse

Yet I gave myself a mind-pat ….

After that I went back to my team and the drill starts again. Today I had couple of meetings with some new start-up companies and some investors. Aman and krutik were the once who primarily handled the investors side and mary and dhruv used to work for business who were looking for investments. So I took both Krutik and Dhruv with me for the meetings. The meetings went well, we did have some disagreements but then it ended on a good note after some discussions.

It was time for our dinner party. Dhruv went back to office as he had to collect some of his things before the dinner and we had one last meeting so I and Krutik decided to meet them directly at the restaurant.

We completed the meeting but it was quite late so I and krutik practically ran to the car. We buckled ourselves up and than i saw something, I did not notice till that point that there was a big pillow and a quilt under the back seat. I looked at him more like stared at him for probably so long that I could have easily made a hole in his face

He looked at me blankly and said - " Is there something on my face?"

and then I realized something instantly

"You lied…."